Glossary

A

anaesthetic

An agent that causes insensitivity to pain. Applied to either the whole body (general anaesthetic) or a particular area or region (local anaesthetic).

anaesthetic syringe

syringe used to administer anaesthetic particularly in dentistry

analgesia

Pain-relieving drugs or medications.

analytical balance

Precision beamscale balance with a sensitivity of 0.1 to 0.01 mg and facility to relieve the knife-edges (central fulcrum & arms)

anamorphic mirror

Shaped mirror (cylinder, cone etc.) that is placed on or adjacent to an anamorpic picture (distorted perspective) to produce an unwarped image to the viewer

anamorphic picture

Picture with distorted perspective that can only be viewed from special angle or is revealed using a specially shaped mirror that restores the warped image

anastomosis

An opening created by surgical, traumatic or pathological means between two normally separate spaces or organs

anatomical figure

Highly detailed models of the full human figure for artists, teachers and medical practitioners.

anatomical model

A model that demonstrates the structure of the human body through the separation of its parts. Often used for teaching purposes.

anatomy

A branch of medical science concerned with the structure of living organisms.

anemometer

An instrument for measuring the force and velocity of the wind, or of currents of air or other gases

aneurysm

A balloon-like swelling occurring in the wall of an artery.

animal experiment

The use of non-human animals in scientific research. The process is extremelty controversial. The British Royal Society claims that virtually every medical achievement of the 20th century used animal testing. The British and American governments both support animal testing provided that it minimizes animal suffering. It is estimated that 50-100 million vertebrate animals are used in testing annually worldwide. Experiements on invertebrates are not regulated and therefore uncalculable.

animal experimentation

Before researchers test drug treatments in human clinical trials, they normally test them on animals to determine if they are toxic, to find the correct dose and whether they are effective.

animal experiments

The use of animals in scientific research. The process has become controversial in some countries, but is considered vital by many scientists. The British Royal Society claims that virtually every medical achievement of the twentieth century used animal testing. The British and American governments both support animal testing provided that it minimizes animal suffering.

aniseed bomb

A device mounted inside a steam locomotive big end which gives warning of overheating by emitting a distinctive aniseed smell.

anorexia nervosa

A disease characterized by a person’s sustained refusal to eat without any identifiable digestive system disorder; it was first identified and named in 1873.

anthrax

A disease found in humans and other animals. It can be transmitted to humans through contact with animal hide or excrement. In humans it attacks the lungs (causing pneumonia) or the skin (producing skin ulcers). It can be fatal, but is treatable by penicillin.

anthropology

The social, cultural and geographical study of humans and humankind.

anthropometrical measure

The practise of measuring different parts of the human body in the hope of using them to determine personal characteristics. The practise is no longer accepted as scientific.